As snowfall covers the region’s mountains, avalanche danger is becoming an increasing concern.
The Flathead Avalanche Center and its partners recently released a 30-second public safety awareness video to encourage skiers, snowmobilers and others recreating in the backcountry to learn about avalanche safety and take advantage of safety programs.
During winter, the avalanche center teams up with the Flathead County Search and Rescue Association and the North Valley Rescue Association. All three groups work closely to provide community services in avalanche education, forecasting and emergency response.
Both the Flathead County and North Valley Search and Rescue Associations funded the production of the film, done in partnership with Flathead Beacon Productions.
Other organizations involved in the making of the video include Two Bear Air Rescue and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.
The Flathead Avalanche Center is a partnership between the Flathead National Forest, Glacier National Park and the non-profit Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center. The center strives to provide quality avalanche information products for the public and area land management agencies that include avalanche advisories and education.
This year the avalanche center is issuing public snow advisories every day of the week. Last year, the FAC posted four advisories per week.
Visit the Flathead Avalanche Center website to get updated information on upcoming avalanche safety classes, and check out the most current avalanche advisory.